Toronto’s police chief says it was the work of young female officers who put themselves “in harm’s way” that led to the arrest of a 15-year-old male in connection with more than dozen sexual assaults in the Bloor-Christie area since August.

The teen, who was not previously known to police, was arrested on Roxton Road near Bloor Street West Saturday evening after allegedly approaching a victim from behind and sexually assaulting her. He was apprehended at the scene.

“We had women in our organization who put themselves in harm’s way, who went out in that community and put themselves at risk, knowing that if they were successful in their mission, they could also be the victim of an assault,” police chief Bill Blair told a news conference Monday.

“As a result of their courage, this investigation has been successfully concluded.”

Police issued a search warrant late Sunday in relation to the case, but would not disclose the location.

As they have throughout their investigation, police refused to go into detail into what the alleged perpetrator is accused of doing beyond describing it as a “sexual assault.” Under Canada’s legal code, the definition of sexual assault can range from unwanted groping to rape.

Police faced criticism for not releasing more specific information about the nature of the attacks, resulting in speculation and fear from residents of the area.

Blair would not go into details Monday, saying the case was now before the courts.

“Fear, particularly among women, and their sense of safety in their own neighbourhood was taken from them as a result of these crimes,” Chief Blair said Monday.

Fear, particularly among women, and their sense of safety in their own neighbourhood was taken from them as a result of these crimes

While Blair said the operation was “not a sting,” he did say officers “were out in large numbers, and had been for weeks, and months.”

The name of the accused cannot be released under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He has been charged with 14 counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual harassment. Police said their were 16 victims in total, but said other victims may come forward.

The youth was scheduled to appear in a Toronto court Monday.

Police had previously described the suspect as a black male with a heavy build and short hair.

Staff Inspector Mary Lee Metcalfe, of the Sex Crimes Unit, said while it is unusual for such a large string of assaults to have allegedly been committed by a 15-year-old, “It does occur. This is a particularly specific situation.”

However, Statistics Canada says that the rates of sexual offending is highest among 12 to 17 year-olds compared to any other age group.

Metcalfe praised residents of the area for spreading the word and helping with the investigation.

“It has been a joint and collaborative effort,” Staff Insp. Metcalfe said, citing the work of officers from 14 Division.

Chief Blair echoed her comments, and said police would not abandon the area now that an arrest has been made.

“We know that these crimes that took place in August and again in the fall caused a tremendous amount fear,” said Chief Blair.

“I believe that we have the person responsible for this . . . we are not going away. The officers of 14 Division will remain visible in that community.”